Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a procedure in which a false tooth which is held in place by adjacent dental crowns, or a dental implant. Also known as a pontic, the false tooth can be stabilized by being fused to the porcelain caps installed to the teeth on either side of the gap, or upon a dental implant that is integrated directly into your bone structure. This second method is the one recommended by the professionals at Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas, whose advanced techniques produce longer-lasting, effective and healthy solutions to the problem of missing teeth.
Dental bridges can be used to restore your smile, your confidence, the health of your gums, and even the quality of your speech. Unfilled spaces may allow your other teeth to drift over time. A dental bridge will not only stabilize the surrounding teeth, but can also significantly reduce the risk of tooth or gum decay that accompanies untreated gaps.
The dentists at Medical Center Dental Group, in most cases, prefer the use of dental implants over the traditional method of installing dental bridges. It has been found that the old method, which involves attaching the pontic to dental crowns on the adjacent teeth, can over time lead to bone loss or tooth decay. Dental bridges applied to implants are a superior method, because they leave the surrounding teeth untouched. We have found this to be a significant benefit to your long-term dental health.
There are four basic types of dental bridges, which vary in terms of cost and application:
Traditional Fixed Dental Bridge - A traditional fixed dental bridge is fused between two porcelain crowns, filling in the area left by the missing tooth. The crowns are usually installed on the adjacent teeth for the sole purpose of anchoring the potic. One or more false teeth may be affixed in this way.
Resin Bonded Dental Bridges - A resin bonded dental bridge is used for your front teeth. It is less expensive than other bridges. Rather than affixing to dental crowns, resin bonded dental bridges are fused to special metal bands that are bonded to the surrounding teeth with a resin. This significantly reduces the strain on surrounding teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridges - Like resin bonded, Cantilever dental bridges are best suited to areas of your mouth that are less prone to stress, such as the front teeth. Cantilever dental bridges are used in cases where a bridge can only be anchored to a tooth on one side of the gap.
Implant-Anchored Dental Bridges - This is the technique preferred by the doctors at the Medical Center Dental Group in Houston. No alterations on surrounding teeth are needed. An implant is integrated directly into your structure. A dental bridge may then be installed directly upon the implant. This results in a stronger dental bridge that will be easier to clean, and will preserve the health of your surrounding teeth.
If you are considering getting a dental bridge, and are looking for a dentist in the Houston area, look no further than the doctors of the Medical Center Dental Group. Whether you need a new bridge, or are looking to replace old dental work, make an appointment today. They will be happy to talk to you soon about the various options available to you, and help you determine the solution most appropriate to your individual situation.
For any other questions related to this procedure or any other general, cosmetic or implant dentistry questions you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.
